Issue: May a
Judicial Official attend and speak at a
non-political, non-fundraising, flag-raising
ceremony to mark the beginning of an annual cultural
celebration?

Emergency Staff
Opinion: The Judicial Official was advised
that participation was not improper under the
circumstances. Under Canon 5 (a) and (b), judges may
participate in civic activities and may speak on
nonlegal subjects provided that the activities do
not reflect adversely upon the judge’s impartiality,
interfere with the performance of his or her
judicial duties, or detract from the dignity of the
judicial office. Participation in this type of
cultural celebration does not appear to violate
Canon 5. In rendering this opinion, staff considered
New York Opinions 98-37 and 00-102.